In order for the heart to beat, it receives electrical stimulation or signals that start in the atria or upper chambers of the heart and then travel down to the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart.
Atrial fibrillation is defined as chaotic or abnormal electrical signals or pathways in the atria resulting in an irregular heartbeat. The irregular heartbeat does not allow the atria to contract or squeeze normally, rather the atria
quiver decreasing the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat.
Atrial fibrillation affects about 2.4 million Americans, most of them over age 60. This condition is responsible for 15-20 percent of all strokes because of blood clot formation within the quivering atria.
Blood clot removal from the atria to reduce stroke risk.
Please note: this video may be graphic in nature.
Men are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation more often than women, but women diagnosed with atrial fibrillation carry a longer-term risk of premature death. Atrial fibrillation is more likely associated with coronary artery disease in men, while atrial fibrillation is more likey associated with valve disease in women. The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases in both men and women with age, and when they have high blood pressure and diabetes.
Because atrial fibrillation is a complex disease, the Center for Atrial
Fibrillation at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, led by medical director Jeffrey J. Goldberger, MD and surgical director Richard Lee, MD,
offers a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of
patients with atrial fibrillation. After carefully reviewing the
patient's medical history and cardiac evaluation, physicians discuss
their recommendations for either medical and/or surgical treatment with
the patient and the patient's referring physician and/or cardiologist.
Incorporating the patient's referring physician and/or cardiologist into the delivery
of care, essentially expanding the "team approach" concept, is highly
endorsed and practiced by the Center for Atrial Fibrillation. Patients
are followed by atrial fibrillation nurse coordinators, Jane Kruse, RN and Jennifer O'Leary, RN who are available to answer questions and assist referring cardiologists with patient management.
Catheter (radiofrequency) ablation for the treatment of irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias was first performed in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1990 by Alan H. Kadish, MD
and Jeffrey J. Goldberger, MD. These leaders in the field of cardiac electrophysiology have pioneered many of the procedures used today to treat atrial fibrillation. Catheter (radiofrequency) ablation is a non-surgical procedure performed in the electrophysiology laboratory incorporating advanced imaging techniques to optimize the success of the procedure. Dr. Goldberger is the medical director for the Center for Atrial Fibrillation and the Northwestern Memorial Hospital electrophysiology laboratory.
A variety of surgical procedures
that offer the most effective treatment options for atrial fibrillation
are available through the Center for Atrial Fibrillation. Patrick M. McCarthy, MD is a nationally recognized expert of the classic Maze procedure.
Since many patients experience both atrial fibrillation and mitral
valve disease, Dr. McCarthy frequently treats atrial fibrillation
during mitral valve surgery.
Click image to enlarge.
Richard Lee, MD performs atrial fibrillation surgery via mini-thoracoscopic incisions on the beating heart.
Patients with atrial fibrillation treated at the Center for Atrial Fibrillation benefit from the most advanced medical and surgical techniques based on the latest, evidence based medicine. Clinical research trials at the Center focus on understanding the factors that predispose patients to atrial fibrillation and in developing new, less invasive means of treating atrial fibrillation.
Contact
Center for Atrial Fibrillation
(866) 662-8467 (toll free)
